The Irish standard., 1887-11-12
CHAPTER XXVI.

CHAPTER XVI.
Brian Purcell stood among the fern
on the mountain side, just where we
found him al the commencement OF
our story. He had been lettering there
for nearly an hour and now looked at
his watch, and then down at a little
thatched house, with the tall holly
hooks at one end Of it. a crowd was
collected in the yard, and groups OF
men were moving about in the little
meadow where Connor Shea chanted
the history Of the farmers daughter,
whose parents died and wjlled her i've
hundred pounds in goold, the morn
ing Brian found him rocking the
cradle, and having an eye to number
iye'
1t seems but yesterday when he saw
the manly peasant in the midst OF his
blooming children, while the radiant
smile of Sally Cavanagh threw glow
of rosy light upon the picture. He can
scarcely believe that the reality is not
a hideous dream.
How bravely the poor fellow has
borne up he thought. thrust the one
consolation for which he prayed SO
fervently was granted to him.
When Brian Purcell returned home
on the day OF Mr.. Oliver .Grindem's
death it occurred to him that Connor
Shea and his wife must have gone
through the wood, for had they taken
any other road he could not have missed
them. He then remembered that their
house had not been leyeled by the crow
bar brigade, because it happened to be
on the commonage,' as Connor himself
said, and the landlord had 10 claim to
it. Brian fastened to the mountain
foot, and saw the door Of Connor Shea's
house open. He entered, but a hand
was raised to beckon him back. Con-
nor Shea satupon the floor, his back
against the wall, supporting his poor
wife's head, which rested on his breast.
She was asleep. In obedience to the
motion of his hand, Brian retired
softly. It occurred to him that the
best thing he could dc was to call upon
Mrs. Hazlitt, and enlist her eeneyo-
lence in favor Of the sufferers.
Matt, Matt says Mrs. Hazlitt, when
she had heard the story, run up to
Shawn Grows, and tell him to call to
Tim Croak, and let the two of 'em and
Nancy and Betty come here to me
without delay AN do you, Mr.. Pur-
cell, send Mick DunphY over with
horse an car an lave the rest to me-.
Brian was satisfied chat Sally CAV
anagh would be we'll cared for, and he
and Matt hastened to execute Mrs.
Hazlitt's commands.
The next morning, Brian could
scarcely believeh1 eyes when he looked
in Connor Shea's kitchen, which pre-
sented 80 desolate All appearance the
day before. Tim Croak and Shawn Cow,
and Nancy and Betty sat by the fire,
as if resting from their labor, while
Mrs. Hazlitt was pouring out cup of
tea at the dresser. which was resplend-
ent with pewter and china, and st,
Patrick babtlzing the King of Munster
pasted on the side Of it. Mrs. Hazlitt
held up her finger in token Of silence,
and pointed to the room door.
She's finely she whispered.
you're wonderful woman, said
Brian, in the same low tone. as he
looked around, and saw everything
precisely as it was on the day he found
Connor Shea rocking the cradle.
You see, SIR said Mrs. Hazlitt. i
thought nothing d help to bring her
round like the sight of the things she
was used TO-
The room door was opened, and Con-
nor, after grasping Brian by the hand,
beckoned to him to follow him.
/ Don't stay long out, Connor,' said
Mrs, Hazlitt; the tay is filled out, and
warm cup IL do you good
Connor shook his head with a sad
UuO SldUE1O4 ou444C3 1uu uO cS0u oAA<zA
Purcell walked out into the little
garden.
sWell, Connor. how is she?'
She won't hould long, sir, was the
reply. An I b'lieye 'tis a mercy to
have her go. But oh, good Godl 'tis
breaking my heart to think that she'll
20 an rever know me-
Have courage, Connor, I'll send
out for the doctor, and perhaps some
thing might be done for her.
do, sir. Matt Hazlitt is after goin'
for Father 0 O'Gorman to read over her.
Brian remembered that Matt passed
him on the road on his yellow pony,
riding furionsly sss3 81
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